Huddlestone has urged his team-mates to seize the opportunity to make history and will not be content just to enjoy a day out at the national stadium - Hull’s £5.25million record signing will only be satisfied if he leaves with a winner’s medal around his neck.

“There have been some unbelievable players over the years who have never been to an FA Cup Final, so I count myself as lucky to be in this position. But there’s no point getting there, though, if you’re happy to take a runners-up medal.

“When you’ve got someone like the manager, who’s won what he’s won [as Manchester United captain], telling you to grasp the chance and have no regrets, you take that on board.

“He’s said that before you know it, you’ll realise it’s gone unless you take your chances. They don’t come around often so grab it with both hands. It would genuinely be a dream come true for us all to win.”

poll loading

Who will win the FA Cup?

2000+ VOTES SO FAR

Bruce has tried to keep Hull’s preparations as normal as possible.

They will head down to London 24 hours before kick-off, as they would for any game in the capital.

“There was a bit of stage fright when we were at Wembley last time, but we’ll be better for that experience,” he said. “You only have to see how the players relished the stage in the second half of the semi.

“We know it’s upon us now. We know this week is a massive one in our careers and the history of this club. There’s a lot of excitement but equally we know we’ve got a job to do.

“There’ll obviously be a few thoughts running through my head on Friday night, but before that you just try to treat it like a normal away game.

“We’ll head down to London and try not to let the occasion take over our emotions. It is going to be difficult but you have to try and treat it as a normal game.”

Hull know how tough Arsenal can be, having lost 2-0 away and 3-0 at home to them in the Premier League this season, and Huddlestone claims the Tigers must be resolute.

“We know they’re going to have large periods of possession," he said, "but we’ve got to stay disciplined and hopefully hit them on the break.”